How to Dial In "Figure of Eight" by Paul McCartney - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Figure of Eight"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Flowers in the Dirt (1989). A driving, upbeat rock track with crisp chords and a bluesy lead. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster through a Vox AC30 C2 stands in. Use the middle and bridge pickups together and set the amp to a medium-gain crunch. Tuning isn't documented here.
Common Questions About the "Figure of Eight" Tone
What guitar did Paul McCartney use on "Figure of Eight"?
The guitar on "Figure of Eight" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Figure of Eight" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 6. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Figure of Eight" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Figure of Eight" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Figure of Eight" by Paul McCartney are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.